US officials sound alarm on ‘golden’visas, citing security risks, relaxed requirements

Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda are listed in a new travel ban citing citizenship by investment concerns.(iStock)

“A foreign national from a country that is subject to travel restrictions could purchase CBI from a second country that is not subject to travel restrictions, obtain a passport in the citizenship of that second country, and subsequently apply for a United States visa for travel to the United States, thus evading the travel restrictions on his or her first country,” the proclamation says.

“United States law enforcement and theDepartment of Statehave found that, historically, CBI programs have been susceptible to several risks,” it added.“These risks include allowing an individual to conceal his or her identity and assets to circumvent travel restrictions or financial or banking restrictions.”

Those seeking “golden passports” only need to have five days of their physical presence within the first five years after citizenship is granted. 

The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is an Antigua and Barbuda government body established to administer all applications.

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visa-free or visa-on-arrival accessto more than 140 countries — including the Schengen Area — to allow applicants to retain their original nationality by gaining dual citizenship, according to CIU.

“United States law enforcement and the Department of State have found that, historically, CBI programs have been susceptible to several risks,” according to a new proclamation. (iStock)

Antigua and Barbuda also offers tax advantages, with no personal income tax, capital gains tax or inheritance tax — and citizenship is granted for life.

Dominican citizenship, according to OCCRP’s 2023 investigation.

“Responsibility sits with every stakeholder, including service providers, who conduct their own thorough due diligence before onboarding clients.”

Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit reiterated in a statement posted on Facebook that his country enacted comprehensive CBI legislative reforms back in October related to background checks and financial transparency.

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“Dominica values its strong and long-standing relationship with the United States, including close cooperation in maritime security and regional stability,” Skerrit wrote. 

“The government reiterates that a threat to the United States is also a threat to Dominica and the wider Caribbean, and remains fully committed to cooperation,transparency and shared security objectives.”

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Those seeking “golden passports” in Antigua and Barbuda only need to log five days of being physically present within the first five years after citizenship is granted.(iStock)

“The country has continuously increased its due diligence and applicant vetting to a very rigorous level, using the same types of international security firms applied across the industry,” he said. 

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“Today, responsibility also sits with every stakeholder, including service providers, who conduct their ownthorough due diligencebefore onboarding clients,” Bennis added.

“This appears to be more a reflection of evolving border control policies than a failure of Antigua’s standards, particularly as similargolden visa and residency programsexist in both the U.S.and Europe,” he added.

Ashley J.